best Reef anchor?

[jchief]

Off another site and different anchor, but same principle.


I wanted to post pics of my breakaway anchor setup. It works very well and reduces the possibility of the chain become entangled in the flukes preventing them from swinging and setting. I rigged another today and took some pics.
Instead of running chain the length of the anchor, I use a piece of stainless steel cable. The loop at the end attached to the chain is small. The loop at the base of the anchor is large and allows free movement of the flukes. Two zip ties keep the cable from getting caught on the flukes as they swing.
Three zip ties at the top seem more than sufficient and are actually very hard to break loose when you need to but I have had two zip ties break on me. I also have a small shackle I can run through the end when I am anchoring in a dangerous area and don’t want to rely on the zip ties (like the fireworks show this week). I took the pics before safety wiring my shackles but rest assured they are secure now.
I also have some rubber end caps to be 5200’d to the ends of the bar at the base of the flukes. These ends seem to be magically attracted to gel coat. The rubber caps have saved me quite a bit of damage. Available in the hardware department of Home Depot and last quite a long time.

[wishin i was fishin]

You are correct about West Marine, $50 for the 11 lb.

Thanks for the rigging idea jchief. do you see an issue with chaining from back to front and secure with wire ties? Or will that be too much weight and flip the anchor?

[jchief]

Not on the claw style I don't see an issue. That is how mine is set up

[Feesherman]

So will the 4# be plenty for a 16 foot aluminum boat?

[bourgeois]

I also have the anchor that looks like a shovel. I believe the anchor comes from the Northern Sea. They use them to hold Oil Rigs down. This anchor will not slip and most of the time I only need about 20' of rope to hold the boat. I have a 21' bay champ and the anchor made for the boats up to 21' works perfect. I also have the shackle at the top and run the chain down the anchor and tie wrap to the bottom. So If It gets stuck you can pop the tie wrap. It is worth every penny.

[jchief]

It fits in my Frontier locker.

If not, get a piece of PVC as long as the shank on the anchor and big enough for the shank to fit in and mount it that way.

[Kenner18]

I have an 11lb shovel anchor in my anchor box in my 24' NauticStar

[PaulMyers]

Originally Posted by Feesherman

So will the 4# be plenty for a 16 foot aluminum boat?

Yes it is.